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BOOKS UNBOUND
Artfully Recycling
the Printed Page
Books Unbound is a community-wide project to recycle old books into art, which will be
exhibited and auctioned in a fund-raiser to benefit the Library on October 3. This project
was inspired by the relatively new,
but rapidly growing art form called Altered Books.
Books Unbound Launch
Friday, June 13, Light refreshemtns at 7:00 pm; speaker at 7:30 pm. McManus Room |
Noted Brooklyn-based altered book artist Doug Beube will give a talk and slide show on “The Alternative Library: The Book in the Environment,” looking at the fact that books, which we may not think of as books at all, are everywhere in the environment. He will also discuss how, with the advent of the computer, many books are thrown away by individuals and institutions around the globe, and how fortunately many are reclaimed by artists. After
his talk, a Book Grab begins in the Riverwalk Hallway, so people can choose
books
to work with over the summer. The Book Grab continues on Saturday,
June 14 (10 am-1 pm); Sunday, June 15 (2-4 pm); and Monday, June 16
(6-8 pm).
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"Disasters;
Twister Series;
Yellow Pages”(above)
and "Ruffled Collar" (right) by Doug Beube |
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What Is an Altered Book?
The International Society of Altered Book Artists (ISABA) explains that an altered book
is any book, new or old, recycled by creative means into a work of art. The book can be
painted, cut into, burned, added to, re-bound, collaged in, or otherwise adorned…and,
yes, it is legal!
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How Do I Participate in Books Unbound?
- Everyone, artist and non-artist alike, is invited to join in the fun and be part of
Books Unbound.
- You do not need to live in Westport or even in Connecticut.
- Start with an old book (see Book Grab above); then alter it however you like—
there are no rules. You’re the artist!
- If you need help getting started, register for the Westport Continuing Education
Altered Book Workshop to be held Wednesday, July 16, 23, and 30, 6:30-8:30 pm,
and taught by altered book artist Cecilia Marshall. To register, call Westport Continuing Education at 341-1218.
- Check the Library’s catalog for titles on altered books.
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Books Unbound Gala Auction
Date TBD
Westport Library, The Great Hall |
Where Can I See More Examples of Altered Books?
Below are several more examples of altered books and a handful of web sites, where you’ll find further examples. You can also Google “Altered Books” for many more sites.
Altered Book Exhibit |
“Recycling Magic,” an exhibit of altered books from the collection of the Portland Public Library in Portland, Maine, will be featured in the Riverwalk Display Case from May 15-July 24. |
The Book Bracelet by
Megan Dunne (above) and
Billy Goat the Counselor by Sachiyo Yoshida (right), from Portland Public Library collection.[portlandlibrary.com] |
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A Magical Recycling Program
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It happens over time. A book’s pages rip out and are lost. Its worn binding breaks and tears away. Or its information goes out of date. And little by little a book’s useful life may come to an end—
but it doesn’t have to! The growing art form called Altered Books offers such volumes a new life. Pages can become the canvas for painting or collage. Images can be added from elsewhere. Text might get rearranged to convey a new message. A binding may get reshaped into a lively outline of, say, a tree. In short, one precious art form magically transforms into another—Books Unbound. |
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Joan Hume, Director of Community Relations |
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Tel: 203-291-4818 |
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Last updated: 4/19/08
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dcelia@westportlibrary.org